Kapilvastu, September 20, 2007

Five persons died and 16, including five policemen, were injured in a clash today between two groups at Jagdishpur village in Patherdeya VDC 4 of Kapilvastu district.

Tension was already prevailing in the district after the murder last Sunday of Democratic Madhesi Mukti Morcha president Moin Khan when fresh violence broke out in the village today. Those killed today have been identified as former chairman of Bahadurgunj VDC Shiv Kumar Gupta, Bishnu kumar Gupta, Ram Kumar Chaudhari, Masuddin Miyan and Rameshwar Chaudhari. Police said former chairman Gupta and Masuddin died on the spot, while the other three died while being taken to hospital in Butwal.

Their bodies have been kept in the Lumbini zonal hospital. The condition of nine of those injured is said to be critical. DSP Kuber Kathayat said one group took out a procession demanding security and another group attacked it. Police had to fire more than 100 rounds in the air to disperse the battling groups. Tension has heightened in the area after the clash.

Nineteen of those killed earlier over the week have been identified, while the identities of 10 others killed have not been ascertained yet, police said. Meanwhile, a revenue patrol team sent 91 stranded passengers safely to their destinations.

Office-bearers of the committees of the Badganga Transport Entrepreneurs, Paschimanchal Truck Entrepreneurs and Rapti Transport Entrepreneurs said more than 123 vehicles have been damaged in the riots.

Poll delay will hit peace process, say EU envoys

Kathmandu, September 20, 2007

The European ambassadors and representatives today said that if the elections to Constituent Assembly are not held on time, the credibility of the peace process will be damaged — both at the national and international levels.

“If the elections cannot be held on time with the full support of all parties, this will be a betrayal of the people’s aspirations and damage the credibility of the peace process in their eyes and in the eyes of the international community,” stated a press release issued today.

Expressing disappointment over the CPN (Maoist)’s withdrawal from the government, they also expressed deep concern about the Maoists’ announcement to disrupt the elections. “These elections are about securing peace and democracy in Nepal. They are in fulfilment of promises made to the Nepali people that they will be able to decide their own future through a fully representative and inclusive Constituent Assembly and begin building a lasting peace and prosperous future,” stated the EU representatives.

They urged parties concerned to resolve their differences quickly and find a common ground to ensure the elections are held, as planned. “It is vital that polls are held in a secure environment in which the parties and the voters are confident they can freely express their views,” stated the release.